Posts filed under 'sparks_direct'

Mains voltage track lights and low energy 12V track systems, Illuma and Powerlite

On our blog we have talked extensively about the Illuma Track Lights and the Powerlite Track Systems. From Illuma, via sparksdirect.co.uk, you can find both mains voltage track systems(the 1-circuit tracks) and the low voltage track systems(the Marktrack and the Trac12 fittings), while Powerlite is represented on Sparks by its Sirius 1 range of 12V Track System. You can find so much more about the way the track systems are composed and fitted together, the components and the track fittings that belong to certain ranges, etc – visiting the specific links provided below.

Add comment December 3, 2009

more about the Manrose Extractor fans, strong ventilation solutions via sparksdirect

You may have noticed that, though we’re not writing too much here on this blog, there’s much activity on the blog at sparksdirect.co.uk. The articles we post there are not as short as the ones you can find via the NewLights blog: they are quite comprehensive, worthy of study and reference. Let’s take the Manrose extractor fans for example -  recently there have been at least 3 articles posted online, with solid information inspired by what the manufacturer put out in the user manuals / website, like:

Problems caused by poor ventilation and their solution(Manrose extractor fans)

Being inspired by what Manrose advises regarding the siting of the fans and the problems created by the lack of ventilation, we have compiled some ideas and listed them below(the source can be found at the Manrose Fan Selection page). Read more in this article about: The problems that can appear due to poor ventilation; Help – solving the lack of ventilation in the homes; Locate/site your fan correctly in the home; Choosing the proper / perfect fan for the best ventilation.

Shower fan and bathroom extractor fan, the Showerlite range from Manrose

The Manrose Showerlite range of bathroom extractor fans is a distinctive Showerlite which is incorporated into a circular diffuser, suitable for showers and bathrooms. This range is available in the 100mm (4″), 120mm (5″) and 150mm (6″) versions. The Manrose Showerlite can be used within the splash area of the shower or bath and is powered by a S.E.L.V. remote safety isolating transformer. The Showerlite extractor fans is suitable for any 100mm (4″), 120mm (5″) and 150mm (6″) in-line system such as the Manrose SF/ID range of in-line axial fans or the CFD/MAN range of in-line centrifugal fans.

The Manrose Centrifugal Fans for domestic and commercial applications: powerful ventilation

The Manrose CF100, CF200 and CF400 centrifugal fans use the latest technology to provide extremely powerful, yet very quiet and vibration free ventilation – they are some of the best-seller Centrifugal Fans in the market! The Manrose CF100/200 ranges are especially designed for bathrooms, toilets, cloakrooms, utility rooms, and Manrose CF400 is designed mainly for kitchens and commercial applications, such as restaurants, hotels and offices. The Centrifugal Fans from Manrose are designed to move air over long distances; all these units will give a maximum performance even against pressures(caused by long lengths of ducting) and resistance(caused by the grilles). All the Manrose Centrifugal fan models are fitted with a built-in spring operated non-return flap into the discharge spigot to stop any backdraughts. Read more in this article online about the features of the Manrose Centrifugal Fans, the available models and ranges, notes about installation / electrical data, and some additional data(including the dimensions).

If you want to find out more about the Manrose fans, follow the Manrose Ventilation Fan / Manrose extractor fans tags on our website. To buy it online, visit the Manrose Extractor Fans and choose the one you need.

Add comment November 23, 2009

google and will the shopper: advice for online stores, increase conversion rate

GoogleNot very much related to the electrical products online store – yet very much related to a certain kind of feedback that “Will the shopper” gives to each one of the online stores – and in particular to google. You can download the Make Your Website Work ebook from google, and then fill in the survey they made & placed online. Below we just want to list some of the main points / ideas from the book – especially the ones related to online stores – and some observations….

  1. Bring me to the right page
    Whether clicking on the ads or in the search results, you want to be taken directly to where it says it takes you. Here, it is recommended that the title of the page(on the top of the browser) and the main heading of the page would correspond. Also, point out what are the selling points: sale price, special price, delivery options, stock, etc.
  2. Make your homepage useful
    The homepage is like the front of the shop: should be clear, shows who you are and what you sell. Here, it is recommended to show info / logo of the company, about us, the optimal layout, some promoted products, and a good menu for people to continue.
  3. Help me navigate
    Clean layout with visible categories, main menu – and a solid structure(visible) of the website. And the terms should be easy to understand(not technical or jargon).
  4. Give me the right results when I search
    Many times there’s a need to search a certain product/model, so a good search engine is very useful. And make it visible + advanced searches available. It is also recommended to have a comparing of the listings, sorting of the listings, categorizing…
  5. Display groups of products clearly
    Get the right combination of images, prices and description text – which should work together with the layout so that the visitor gets the main points. Comparison among products/categories and a grouping/categorizing of the items helps.
  6. Give me the product details I need
    List/summarize the key/main details about the products, including the price. Images: clear, large, zoom-able, more angles on them. Call to action button: either a Buy Now or More details/Get a quote.
  7. Make registration optional
    Many customers don’t want to register AGAIN for ANOTHER website – it’s good to offer them the option of registering, post-sale. And if registration is mandatory, it should be easy(not too many steps) and the benefits of registering should be underlined.
  8. Make it easy to buy or enquire
    No one likes filling in form after form: don’t ask for too many details, unnecessary ones, show the registration/enquiry progress bar, help with auto-fill the form(based on his previous entered-in info), and… no adds on that page!
  9. Reassure me
    Transparent about cancellations and returns, prices and VAT, delivery and stock, and…. what happens now, after he purchased something! Also: offer security.
  10. Find this useful? Let me help!
    Ask for feedback from customers – and offer them help in their decision. There needs to be a mutual help: the online store offering good info + helpful links, and the customer having a way to give a feedback.

Interesting, and helpful. Thanks, google :)

Add comment November 11, 2009

New lights, new blog, and new Whole House Ventilation system

new things via sparksdirect - new lights, new blog, new whole house ventilation system!It’s all new – we have been working hard this past week to put out many many new things and items, like – new light fittings, a new blog, and a new whole house ventilation system.

New Lights for indoors and outdoors


A new blog – with New Lights from Sparks & Lights


New Whole House Ventilation System – the AiroVent

Add comment November 6, 2009

Illuma tracklights, track spotlights, track fittings, the ranges

We have started introducing a series of track spotlights from Illuma, which can be followed by the tags Illuma Track Lights and Track Systems. Here are some of the more important ranges, all of them available via the Track Lights – Illuma Track Spotlights.

The Illuma Rocket Track Lights

The Rocket range of Track Lights from Illuma is an essential range of compact spotlights for mains operated PAR halogen reflector lamps. They are specifically designed for universal applications. Available with the normal lamp version and with the cone lamps, this series of Spotlights is for the 1-circuit track. As to the usage, the Illuma Rocket is ideal for highlighting and general lighting in retail, commercial and domestic applications, particularly where unobtrusive miniature fittings are required. Read more in this article about the general features of this range of Illuma Rocket Track Lights, some technical data, the materials used for its construction, and the available models (T325WH, T326WH, T327WH and T328WH)- buy online the Illuma Rocket Spotlights via Sparksdirect – the best price online!

Illuma Electrostar, Lightweight Track Spotlights

Part of the Illuma Track Lights, the 1-circuit track lighting systems, the Illuma Electrostar range is a series of compact, lightweight spotlights for mains track or surface mounting. They are ideal for both highlighting and general lighting in retail, commercial and leisure environments. Read more in this article online about the Illuma Electrostar’s features, the lamp data & the materials used for this series of spotlights.

Illuma Lumapar, Discreet Track Spotlights

The Illuma Lumapar range of track spotlights belongs to a flexible range of discreet spotlights for mains tungsten halogen lamps not requiring a transformer. They are ideal for highlighting and general lighting in retail, commercial and domestic applications, particularly where unobtrusive miniature fittings are required. The Illuma Lumapar range has twelve styles in white, black or silver-grey (all) or chrome finish (TM3210/S, TM3220/S, TM3410/S and TM3420/S only); the standard track versions are for use with Illuma 1-circuit track; all can be also used as surface-mounting versions. Read more in this article online about some of the features of the Lumapar range, the lamp details, technical data, and the materials used for this range.

Illuma Electrospot, Highlighting Track lights

The Illuma ElectroSpot range of track lights has a timeless design for use on mains track or surface mounting. This range is ideal for both highlighting and general lighting. The quality of lighting is given also by the new illumaled lamp technology.

Read more in this article online about the features of the Electrospot range, the ease of installation, the lamp description, some technical data, the materials used, and the Illuma Electrospot versions available.

Illuma Topspot, Surface or Track Light

One of the most popular track light fitting range from Illuma, the Illuma Topspot T310 / T410 is a simple yet versatile range of spotlights for mounting on a 1-circuit track, accepting reflector, PAR and GLS lamps. The Topspot T310 range is a track mounted spotlight, and the Topspot T410 is a surface mounted spotlight – whether you need the spot light to be surface or track mounted, we have the right solution for you! Read more in this article online about the Topspot features, details about the installation, lamp features, some technical data, and the materials used.

Illuma Concepta Robust diecast tracklights

One of the most popular and much appreciated ranges from Illuma, the Illuma Concepta range of track lights, is a robust, diecast aluminium range of spotlights, with fully adjustable body and head. These track light fittings are ideal for accent lighting in retail, commercial and leisure environments. This article introduces the Illuma Concepta range(especially the Concepta TH3111X series) – Find out more about the technical specs of this track light fitting, details about the 2 series in this range, and more about the Concepta TH3111X – features, installation, lamp description, the materials used, and some technical data.

Add comment October 31, 2009

Lutron Breakfast at Sparks and Lights showroom, new: Lutron Grafik GRX-QS

We would like to thank all our customers that visited us yesterday morning, when the sales team from Lutron was here in our Sparks & Lights showroom(Archway, North London), for the Lutron Breakfast Morning. Some of you have seen the showcase from Lutron, with all their dimming system simulations, introducing the new systems and also speaking about the older/best selling models. Below you can find some pictures that are more representative of the event(don’t worry, we have tried not to post pictures of our customers necessarily, but mainly of the equipment and the showcase).

Welcome to the Lutron Breakfast Morning - this is part of the gear that the Lutron Sales Team brought to show us the new models(the Lutron GRX-QS series)

Welcome to the Lutron Breakfast Morning – this is part of the gear that the Lutron Sales Team brought to show us the new models(the Lutron GRX-QS series).

Lutron dimming systems showcase - these are some of the many devices that compose the Lutron Grafik 3000 system, ideal for total home dimming systems

Lutron dimming systems showcase – these are some of the many devices that compose the Lutron Grafik 3000 system, ideal for total home dimming systems.

One of the Lutron's representatives explaining the new Grafik system - the Lutron GRX-QS - to some of the visitors and customers. QS - total lighting control

One of the Lutron’s representatives explaining the new Grafik system – the Lutron GRX-QS – to some of the visitors and customers. QS – total lighting control.

A closer look at the Lutron GRX-QS, customisable preset light and blind control system, the new Grafik dimming system from Lutron(the full system includes more devices, like the remote control, the wall-mounted dimmers, the control panel, etc) - fully customisable, 16 zones!

A closer look at the Lutron GRX-QS system, customisable preset light and blind control system, the new Grafik dimming system from Lutron(the full system includes more devices, like the remote control, the wall-mounted dimmers, the control panel, etc) – fully customisable, 16 zones!

The Lutron GRX-QS Control Panel, with the new Lutron QS technology(intuitive control of both electric light and daylight) - precision control of daylight and also energy saving!

The Lutron GRX-QS Control Panel, incorporated with the new Lutron QS technology(intuitive control of both electric light and daylight) – precision control of daylight and also energy saving!

We don’t have it yet on our website – the Lutron GRX-QS system – because Lutron just put this series out, but it will soon be online both on our blog and on our website – Lutron Grafik Systems.

Add comment October 28, 2009

Sparks Electrical Wholesalers online

Sparks Direct - Sparks Electrical Wholesalers - onlineOn the one hand, we are much helped by being listed on different websites, having a good profile and some of our products / categories placed on the same page(our rankings go up, people find about us, we have a good representation online, we can reach more people, there is a certain appreciation for the brand, google loves us more, etc). On the other hand, these websites “feed on this”, or “live because of this” – all they do is list in a proper category the companies that belong to that particular field, and then optimize a certain page/s for these companies, so that eventually they may also benefit from this(they increase their visitors by attracting some who are looking for that particular company, their page ranking is going up, their rank for the website goes up by having this pertinent and sought-for content, by optimizing this page they can be number 1 for several vital keywords for that industry, they can demand some sums of money for different services in this last case, etc). This being said, here is where you can find Sparks Electrical Wholesaler online (the order has no preference necessarily, and the order in google changes as new sites come up…):

and on many other pages / directories / websites online. If there are any other more niche websites that deal either with Electrical Wholesalers, Electrical Items, Lighting Equipment, Fire Alarms, Switches and Sockets, Lamps and tubes, Heaters, Fans, etc – let us know(drop us a line/a comment with a link). Our intention (as everyone’s is as they get online and offer some services/products) is to meet people where they are at.

Add comment October 9, 2009

LUXOMAT energy saving single channel occupancy detector – surface or flush fitting

Surface Mounted Occupancy Presence detector, the SM version of the Luxomat Occupancy DetectorWe have joined all the other voices online crying out for the more frequent use of more energy-saving solutions by introducing the PIR-presence detectors, the Time Lag switches, the B.E.G. Luxomat Detectors intro, some PIR detectors and info, the Illuma advice for energy saving, essential steps for saving the energy, google knol on energy saving, etc. To continue the introducing of the B.E.G Luxomat range of Occupancy Detectors, today we have the Luxomat PD3 series – single channel flush or surface mounted occupancy detectors. This range of detectors provides simple, localised control of the lighting or HVAC system, by automatically turning the load on when needed for indoor ceiling applications, with 360° coverage. The detector LUXOMAT® PD3-1C-SM is available in a e version with integrated acoustic sensor (micro version), can also cover persons who otherwise by the infrared radiation of the detector would not be recognized (e.g. in corners or behind walls)! Typical applications of the series of PD3 Luxomat Occupancy Detectors: monitoring of smaller areas like stairwells, private garages, galleries, wash rooms. Read more about the features and the technical data about this range.

Luxomat PD3 Occupancy Detector features

  • Switches all types of light fixtures.
  • Switches 2000W of incandescent or 1000W fluorescent load.
  • 10m detection zone (5m seated, 6m walking towards and 10m walking across).
  • 15 seconds to 30 minutes adjustable time delay.
  • Models available: Surface mounted(SM) and Flush(FC) fittings.
  • With or without acoustic sensor (micro).
  • IP rating: SM is IP54, FC is IP20.
  • 10 – 2000 Lux adjustable photocell.
  • Manual controllable occupancy detector for inside use LUXOMAT® PD3-1C-SM/-FC/-FM PD3-1C-SM/-FC Micro for surface, false ceiling and flush mounting with circular detection area.
  • One channel to switch the lighting.
  • Switching for all types of light fixtures by high performance relay.
  • Optical system, designed for highest sensitivity.
  • Serial impulse function (gong).
  • Sensitivity adjustment.
  • SM fits onto conduit box.
  • Buy the Luxomat PD3SM or Luxomat PD3FC via SparksDirect.

the different dimensions of the Luxomat range of occupancy detectors, the PD3 series

Luxomat PD3 series - the range of the shining of the light emanated by this Occupancy Detector from B.E.G.PD3 Occupancy Detectors – Technical Data

  • Adjustments manual by potentiometer;
  • Power supply: 230V~ +6%/-10%;
  • Detection area: circular, 360°;
  • Range in m (e.g.): Ø radius;
  • Seated: 5.00 2.50;
  • Walking across: 10.00 5.00;
  • Walking towards: 6.00 3.00;
  • Mounting height: 2 – 3m;
  • Power consumption: < 1W;
  • Light measuring: mixed light – artificial and daylight to control the light;
  • Channel 1 (Control the lighting);
  • Switching power: 2000W, 1000W; dry contact type: NO;
  • Time settings: impulse or 30sec – 30min.;
  • Light sensor: 10 – 2000Lux;
  • Protection: SM IP54, FC and FM IP20, FC with accessory (92206) also IP23 / Class II / CE;
  • Dimensions:
    - SM Ø 106 x H 52mm;
    - FC Ø 80 x H 84.5mm;
    - FM Ø 98 x H 65mm;
  • Housing UV- and shock-resistant Polycarbonate;
  • Ambient temperature: -25°C to +50°C.

Luxomat Occupancy Detectors - PD3 series, the PD3-FC and the PD3-FM versions

To purchase the Flush Occupancy Presence detector Luxomat PD3FC or the Surface Mounted Occupancy Presence detector Luxomat PD3SM, visit the Occupancy Detectors&Switches category on our website.

Add comment October 7, 2009

energy saving solutions – save more than money with PIR presence detectors

360 degrees Flush Mount Ceiling PIR Light Controller - flush mount ceiling occupancy detectorTo continue the same train of thought as we were having while introducing the Time Lag Switches(which are a good solution for the saving of the energy consumption) and the general intro for the PIR motion detectors, today we want to talk about a specific model – the SLFM360 from Timeguard – principles of functioning, where to locate it, and other features.

360º Flush Mount Ceiling PIR Light Controller – Features

  • The SLFM360 utilises passive infrared technology to detect heat radiation of moving human bodies.
  • Upon detection, the attached lighting load will illuminate for a user-determined time period.
  • An integral daylight sensor ensures all day or night-only operation.
  • Light Pollution and Considerate Lighting: Please be aware of the annoyance over-lighting an area can cause to your immediate neighbours.
  • Light pollution caused by incorrectly installing a unit or over-lighting an area can be limited by carefully considering the location and position of your unit before installation.
  • The light spread on all halogen floodlights can be reduced by angling the floodlight downwards on the mounting bracket.
  • This will also concentrate the light on your property and limit the potential inconvenience of the light shining into your neighbours windows etc.
  • Please see Selecting a Location for information on choosing the optimum location for any security light controlled by this unit.
  • This product is suitable for indoor use only.
  • Connected load must not exceed maximum 2000W filament/incandescent or 500W fluorescent/low energy lighting.
  • Do not attempt to install if you are suffering from nausea or dizzy spells or on medication with similar side effects.
  • If in any doubt, consult a qualified electrician.
  • Not suitable for use with discharge lighting.
Parts included in the SLFM360 PIR presence detector
  • PIR Sensor unit.
  • Instruction manual. Please keep safe for future reference.
  • Accessory Pack. Includes wiring cover, 2 x cable clamps, 4 x clamp screws and 1 x lens mask sticker.
Tools and parts you need for installation
  • 3 core flexible cable.
  • Electric/hand-held drill & bits.
  • 75mm or 3 inch diameter hole cutter.
  • Terminal or Electricians screwdriver.
  • Small Philips screwdriver.
  • Wire cutters.
  • Suitable mains interconnect cable.

Selecting a location for the PIR presence detector

  • The motion detector has a number of detection zones, at various vertical and horizontal angles as shown.
  • A moving human body needs to cross/enter one of these zones to activate the sensor.
  • The best all-round coverage is achieved with the unit mounted at the optimum height of 2.5m.
  • Careful positioning of the sensor will be required to ensure optimum performance.
  • The sensor is more sensitive to movement ACROSS its field of vision than to movement directly TOWARDS. Therefore position the unit so that the sensor looks ACROSS the likely approach path.
  • Avoid positioning the sensor where there are any sources of heat in the detection area (extractor fans, tumble dryer exhausts etc.) including opposite any other light sources such as other security lights.
  • Reflective surfaces (ie pools of water or white-painted walls) and overhanging branches may cause false activation under extreme conditions.
  • During extreme weather conditions the motion sensor may exhibit unusual behaviour.
  • This does not indicate a fault with the sensor.
  • Once normal weather conditions return, the sensor will resume normal operation.

This SLFM360 is part of SparksDirect’s offer of Energy Management solutions – see the full offer on our website, or download the pdf catalogue.

Add comment October 2, 2009

sparksdirect stats and social media links/updates; the best sparksdirect tweets

We tweet daily :) and sometimes out tweets are loaded with solid data about the items on our website, while others are just some small updates about what’s going on either in-store or with the online store. There are many ways to make yourself known/distribute your content, and all these available websites online can be “spammed”, but it is not recommended to do this. Especially for a business online, whose main goal is to get customers/orders, and especially since our business does not offer “online services/items” but hardcore physical electrical items, it is not easy to have the best way to reach the possible interested visitors/customers. Therefore, we’re “groping” and trying different methods/ways, some of which we’ll try to list below.

SparksDirect on twitter – follow us online

Some of our best tweets online – most visited links put out there are:

  • 13amp Switched Double Socket With Metal Rocker ~ finish: Painted – Black Insert/Stainless Steel Rocker(Forbes and Lomax) – here;
  • Artemide – quirky light fixture: when fitted to the wall/ceiling, resembles an illuminated cube with one corner embedded – here;
  • Flos Skygarden – pendant ceiling light with a completely smooth finish on the outer side of the shade whilst the inside… here;
  • google insights about searches of “Bathroom Lights” in England(UK) for the last 7 days compared to Home/Garden category – here;
  • Introducing the switches and sockets(Heritage Brass, Forbes and Lomax, GET, MK, BG, etc) from SparksDirect, on the blog – here;
  • blogging on sparks: Small Bari Bathroom Wall Lamp in Polished Chrome Finish and Opaque Glass … – here;
  • these Vent-Axia extractor fans, especially the ACM150 and ACM150T have some truly impressive technical features – here;
  • Picture – 60W Bulkhead with photocell, sensing the light for dusk/dawn switching. More info: Photocells – here;

SparksDirect pictures

Other places online where SparksDirect is present

These are some of the more interesting places online where an electrical wholesaler like us can be present. Still looking at more and more ways to make known our online store and services…

Add comment September 23, 2009

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